The Impostor Queen (The Impostor Queen, #1)(106)

“Because I’m just Elli,” I murmur.

He slides his arm around my back. “And you understand that is more than enough.”

“I do.” About this, there’s no doubt, but somehow it only makes this time more fragile, a treasure I’m not supposed to have.

His lips are cool and mine are hot. I gasp as he cups the back of my head and pulls me in. It’s the delicious rub of ice and fire, hard and soft. His scruff scrapes my face, and I lunge onto my tiptoes. I want to look in the mirror tomorrow and see my own swollen lips, the raw pinkness of my cheeks and chin. I want to know this was real, more than the memory of his hard-muscled body against mine, more than the recollection of his handsome face, more than the echo of his voice in my head.

His magic fills my hollow chest, roaring and fierce, pure, icy power. But his hands are almost warm as they caress my flushed skin. His silky hair tickles my cheeks and brow as he draws back, kissing the corner of my mouth. “Stars, if we don’t stop, I won’t be able to leave,” he says between breaths. His forehead touches mine, and we close our eyes, holding on with all our strength.

“It doesn’t matter if we stop,” I say, my throat tight. “I already can’t let you go.”

He kisses me again, this time slow and deep, his fingers sliding under the neck of my gown to stroke my bare shoulder. This is so unfair. Every single thing about it feels right and perfect and good. I want it to last forever.

But we’re fated by stars, our lives mapped and foretold. I can’t forget that, and I know Oskar hasn’t either when he pulls away once again to kiss my forehead, his lips against my brow as he says, “I know it would be a terrible scandal if I were found here with you, but what I wouldn’t give to sleep by your side again.”

A tear slides from the corner of my eye, and he swipes it away with his thumb. “I miss those nights so much it hurts.”

His smile is sad. “Perhaps someday, when this is over.”

My stomach feels as hollow as my chest. “Perhaps someday.” Right now it feels better to pretend.

I turn toward the Motherlake, and Oskar wraps his arms around me, drawing me into the shelter of his cloak. I lean my head back against his chest and look up at the moon, treasuring this collection of minutes, savoring each as if it’s the last. Because it might be.

Our future rushes toward us like a storm on the Motherlake, and our enemies are powerful.

Kauko is out there, perhaps leading two dozen rogue priests and apprentices. He has the cuff of Astia. He also has the Fire Suurin—along with hundreds of years of blood-fueled cunning.

And the Soturi, hungry for our wealth, eager to dominate, they’re out there too.

But so is she. I’m only a shadow compared to her. When we find her, I’ll be her Astia. Together, we’ll be perfect balance and infinite power.

Together, we’ll save the Kupari.